2019 Audi Q5: common problems and reliability

The 2019 Audi Q5 has 47 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine. Owners most often flag high maintenance and repair costs — very frequent mentions of routine services costing $1,400-$3,000, with out-of-warranty repairs described as exceptionally expensive. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2019 model year

47
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
5
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Audi Q5 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
11
engine
8
steering
7
seat belts
5
power train
5

Recalls affecting the 2019 Q5

electrical system:body control module/bcm

Campaign 21V947000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam undern

wheels:hub

Campaign 19V416000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach.

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 19V473000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. In the event of a crash deploying the passenger's frontal air bag, the instrument panel carrier may break due to incorrec

structure:body

Campaign 19V737000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi SQ5 and 2018-2020 Audi Q5 vehicles. The rear wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach from the vehicle.

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear dichotomy. The vehicle is consistently praised for its superior driving dynamics, handling, and refinement compared to mainstream and some luxury competitors. Owners frequently describe it as "fun to drive," "super quiet and smooth

  • High maintenance and repair costs — very frequent mentions of routine services costing $1,400-$3,000, with out-of-warranty repairs described as exceptionally expensive. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Electronic/Infotainment glitches — includes CarPlay/Bluetooth connectivity failures, random system reboots, unresponsive screens, and parasitic battery drain causing "Low Battery" warnings in new models (e.g., 2025). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Sunroof leaks — noted as a design flaw in some generations (e.g., Q3/Q5), requiring extensive disassembly and often recurring. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Major mileage-related maintenance — around 80k-100k miles, requiring replacement of PCV valve, thermostat, water pump, and fluids (transmission, differential), with costs in the thousands if deferred. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Engine-specific concerns — older 2.0T engines noted for potential oil consumption issues; turbo lag mentioned as a minor characteristic. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Q5.

Typical used price

Used Q5 listings typically run $16,323–$41,642 across 2012 to 2026 model years.

Other Q5 model years